Many visitors to the island are well aware of the superb quality of our world-class premium Barbados Rum and often look forward to enjoying a few rum cocktails or a rum punch or two long before they arrive. Yet, not so many people, first-time visitors especially, realize that Barbados is also something of a haven for wine lovers – whether they be passionate connoisseurs or just enthusiastic tipplers.
Fundamental economic theory suggests that when there exists a great demand for any product, then somebody will find a way to supply it. And, historically, Barbados first began importing fortified wines such as Maderia and Port as far back as the 1640s, a mere 20 years after the English arrived and settled the island. Fast forward to today and, over the course of four centuries, that demand for imported wine has risen steadily to very significant quantities.
While Barbadians themselves have developed a much greater interest in and taste for wine in recent times, it is the combined total of about one million stayover and cruise visitors per year that exerts by far the biggest impact on driving consumption higher and higher. And, since these visitors come to Barbados from all over the world, and different nationalities naturally have varying tastes, the end result is that there is a high demand for a very broad range of wines from many different regions around the globe. These include, not in any particular order, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Germany, Austria, USA, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Chile, Argentina, and the United Kingdom. All of which are available in Barbados. Quite a collection for a small island!
As a natural progression from that global representation. consumers can choose from an equally comprehensive variety of grape varieties. One of the many benefits of this wide selection is that aficionados are sure to find all their popular favourites, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz, Malbec, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Trebbiano and Grenache amongst the reds; and the white Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Reisling and Airen. At the same time, as an added bonus, Barbados can also be a wonderful place to enjoy experimenting with new wine varieties that you’ve never tasted before, possibly never even heard of. For example, if you like a nice crisply chilled glass of white, have you ever tasted a Viognier, Semillon, Verdicchio or Albariño? Well, now is your chance. Look out for something new every time you read a wine list or ask your waiter for suggestions.
As the demand for wine in Barbados has increased over the years and the level of sophistication in the market has risen to truly international standards, we have witnessed the emergence of several highly professional and seasoned wine import, wholesale and retail companies. Driven by the need to supply a diverse array of retail outlets, hotels, luxury villas, bars and restaurants – literally from small corner shops to world-class fine dining establishments – our leading merchants can supply everything from simple table wines to some of the world’s most revered and sought-after wines. Check them out online and place your order, or visit one of the well-appointed, easy to browse, air-conditioned stores. Most of them offer delivery.
Please remember that while there are useful traditional guidelines how to treat and drink wine, there are no strict rules. It’s really all about your own personal preference and individual taste. But be aware of the differences that apply in Barbados as a result of our tropical climate. When the experts recommend that wine should be stored at ‘cellar’ temperature, they mean approximately 11–15° C. So, with our daily temperature averaging around 28–30° C, it’s a good idea to chill your reds, not just rosés and whites.
Here's to your happy ‘winecation’ in Barbados … cheers, santé, salud, cin cin, prost, slainte!
